The Race 31 championship implications

Scott McLaughlin can now clinch the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship by finishing sixth this afternoon in Race 31, regardless of Shane van Gisbergen’s result.

The penalty issued for van Gisbergen’s refuelling breach changed the game for the final race of the season, which had been a case of he who finishes higher winning the championship.

McLaughlin now has some comfort in that he need not beat van Gisbergen in the race to take out overall honours for 2018.

Van Gisbergen, however, must finish at least 17th if he is to become a two-time champion today.

There is no scope for a tie unless a points penalty is issued post-race.

See below for McLaughlin’s minimum finishing position (if at all) based on van Gisbergen’s Race 31 result.

McLaughlin minimum result to win championship